Assessment of Cardiac Function in Pregnant Females of a Tertiary Care Hospital of East Uttar Pradesh: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Cardiovascular dysfunction, including heart failure (HF), is a significant contributor to maternal mortality and is a leading non- obstetric cause of death during pregnancy. The rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality have been increasing over the years, surpassing other pregnancy-related causes of death.Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the cardiac function in pregnant females during their third trimester and determine the prevalence of cardiac disease among pregnant women.Methods: The study was conducted among 260 pregnant women in their third trimester who were selected as per the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thorough physical examination was done and presenting complaints such as chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, syncope, easy fatiguability, swelling of legs, orthopnoea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea along with few biochemical markers were documented. Data collected during the study period, which spanned from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis.Results: The study had predominantly lower socioeconomic housewives (63.1% multigravida and 36.9% primigravida). Cardiac symptoms were present in 4.6% of the subjects. About 5.8% had chronic cardiac conditions, among whom, congenital heart issues were seen in 26.7%, while 73.3% had acquired heart disease. Atrial septal defect was the most common congenital condition, and rheumatic heart disease, particularly mitral  stenosis and regurgitation, prevailed in acquired cases.Conclusion: The study demonstrated a 5.8% prevalence of cardiac disease in pregnant women during their third trimester, with acquired heart disease, particularly rheumatic heart disease, being more common than congenital heart disease.